Plateau United head coach Gbenga Ogunbote says his side still have plenty of room for improvement despite recovering from their opening-day defeat with a 1-0 victory against Kwara United in the Euromatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The Jos-based club lost 2-0 to Rivers United in their first match of the campaign but responded with a narrow win in their Matchday 2 fixture at the New Jos Stadium on Sunday.
Alex Aghaowa scored the only goal of the game in the 29th minute, rising above the defence to head Plateau United in front with an excellent finish.
Kwara United pushed for an equaliser after the interval, but Plateau United defended their advantage to secure all three points.
Ogunbote acknowledged the pressure surrounding the club’s first home match of the season, particularly after the defeat by Rivers United and with club dignitaries in attendance.
“Playing the first game at home has its own pressure and more importantly we’re just coming back from outside with a 2-0 defeat and the players know what it means and more importantly playing before the dignitaries or let me say the owners of the club.
“The most important thing is we wanted a win and we got a win and not in a dubious manner but it’s still a team in process.
“If you look at the team we featured we had about seven new players so the synergy will come match after match so the more games we play the more understanding will come.
“Yes we won but we didn’t get to the level I wanted the team to get to but no problem as regards that because I know we will get there sinner than expected.”
The result gives Plateau United a positive response to their opening loss, although Ogunbote said the team had not yet reached the standard he expects.
He believes the introduction of seven new players means the squad will need more competitive matches before it develops the understanding required to perform at its best.
According to the Plateau United manager, that improvement should come with time as the players become more familiar with one another and with the team’s approach.
Ogunbote also praised the supporters in Jos for their backing and urged them to continue believing in the side.
“I want to sincerely appreciate the fans for the support and the confidence they have in the team and I want to equally tell them they should still believe in us and at the end of the season they will be proud.”
Plateau United’s victory followed a difficult start to the season, but the coach said the performance and result represented an important step for a squad still being assembled.